Self-Contained Cooler Enhancement Device and System

ABSTRACT

A system and device for enhancing the cooling of items in a cooler by circulating fluid substance within the cooler. The device is waterproof and comprises a power source operably coupled to a controller and a motor. The controller is configured to transmit power to the motor. A rotating mechanism is operably coupled to the motor such that the motor provides rotatable power to the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism is positioned on the device between a first position and a second position. An inlet is positioned at or near the first position and an outlet positioned at or near the second position. The device is configured for a fluid substance to enter the device through the inlet and exit the device through the outlet. The fluid substance exits the device at a higher rate than that of entry. The inlet is positioned at a lower portion of the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/419,580, filed Nov. 9, 2016, and U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/586,420, filed Dec. 2, 2016, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to cooling devices, in particular to a self-contained cooler enhancement device.

Refrigerators that actively cool its contents rely on large amounts of electricity, making them ill-suited for portable use or use in areas without electricity. So, portable coolers are popular because they rely on ice or ice packs to chill contents without electricity. However, portable coolers in the prior art which are typically filled with ice or ice packs are not effective in evenly cooling warm contents within a short period of time. This is because ice is added to the cooler and placed randomly upon the beverages or other contents inside. The chilling process can be inefficient as the solid ice within the cooler may be in contact with only portions of the objects to be chilled, resulting in faster cooling in areas of direct contact with the ice but very slow cooling where the ice is not in contact with the contents.

This can be partially rectified by using ice water that covers the entire surface area of the objects within the cooler. However, there are some disadvantages to this arrangement. First, a very large amount of water would be needed to ensure that all items are completely submersed. Second, a large amount of water becomes too heavy to carry. Third, even if ice water is used, static ice water exhibits uneven temperatures, especially when objects in the ice water create areas of warmer water and prevent natural conduction.

The user must have access to large amounts of water to begin the cooling items in the cooler but this might be difficult if the cooler is being used in areas where water is not readily available such as in cars or parks. Also, if the user intends on generating water from melting ice within the coolers, he must wait for the ice to melt. It may take a long time for ice to melt into water, delaying the time it takes to chill objects.

Although there are existing cooling devices which use circulation of water and ice to accelerate the cooling process, there are no devices which can be simply placed into a non-circulating portable cooler and that can instantly transform it into a circulating cooler.

Therefore, a need exists for a self-contained, compact cooler enhancement device that improves chilling ability without active cooling elements.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The self-contained cooler enhancement device of the present invention solves the problems of the prior art and provides additional advantages. The device of the present invention solves problems of the prior art by circulating a small amount of water (or alternative liquid) around the ice and cooler contents. The water's movement over the ice crystals or ice packs cools the water, then the cooled water pulls heat away from all surfaces it subsequently makes contact with through convection. In addition, when ice is present, the physical acceleration of the water molecules also increases the melt rate of the ice which also uses heat and cools the mixture further.

The present invention differs from what currently exists. The present invention is unique and novel because it is completely self-contained and can be used to modify any chamber filled with liquid and frozen contents, and is designed to work with very low levels of water, for example, less than 1 inch of water, until more ice melts and increases the available water. As such, the device of the present invention can simply be placed into any cooler and substantially improve the performance of the cooler.

The self-contained cooler enhancement device of the present invention comprises a container having a watertight compartment, an inlet, and an outlet. The watertight compartment contains a controller coupled to a battery, a switch, and a motor. The motor is coupled to an enclosed impeller to create a centrifugal pump or a propeller to create an axial pump.

When the device is placed in a cooler and turned on, the pump directs water from the inlet to the outlet, thereby circulating the water in the cooler. This enables objects in the cooler to more rapidly and more evenly chill.

When water levels are low, the device can direct water to flow onto the unsubmerged surfaces of objects. It can also help to increase the rate at which ice melts and raise the water level and therefore, increase the submerged surface area of objects.

As such, the present invention provides a system for enhancing cooling of items within a cooler. The system comprises a fluid substance within the cooler and a device. The device comprises a power source operably coupled to a motor; a rotating mechanism operably coupled to the motor, the motor providing rotatable power to the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism positioned on the device between a first position and a second position; an inlet positioned at or near the first position; and an outlet positioned at or near the second position. The device's inlet is positioned at or near a bottom surface of the cooler. The fluid substance enters the device through the inlet and exits the device through the outlet, the fluid substance exiting the device at a higher rate than that prior to entry and providing circulation of the fluid substance within the cooler to aid in cooling items within the cooler.

The present invention also provides a device for enhancing cooling of items within a cooler. The device comprises a power source operably coupled to a controller and motor, the controller configured to transmit power to the motor; a rotating mechanism operably coupled to the motor, the motor providing rotatable power to the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism positioned on the device between a first position and a second position; an inlet positioned at or near the first position; and an outlet positioned at or near the second position. The device is configured for a fluid substance to enter the device through the inlet and exit the device through the outlet, the fluid substance exiting the device at a higher rate than that prior to entry. The inlet is positioned at a lower portion of the device.

The present invention also provides a device for enhancing cooling of items within a cooler. The device comprises a watertight compartment containing a power source and controller housed therewithin, the power source operably coupled to the motor for providing energy thereto; a rotating mechanism operably coupled to the motor, the motor providing rotatable power to the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism positioned on the device between a first position and a second position; an inlet positioned at or near the first position; and an outlet positioned at or near the second position. The device is configured for a fluid substance to enter the device through the inlet and exit the device through the outlet.

This invention provides a low cost, compact and unique way to transform an existing cooler into a faster cooler with circulation. Although this means the invention can improve an existing cooler, the device itself is not a cooler. Rather it is a cooler-enhancing device and because none are known to exist, it is not an improvement but a novel invention.

The device of the present invention is small enough to fit into any cooler without taking up too much space. For example, the device could be manufactured so that the overall size is only slightly larger than 2 regular cubes of ice. Furthermore, the device of the present invention can be used in multiples to match power with demand, i.e., when a larger cooler is used additional devices can be added as needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device of the present invention with its internal components shown.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device of the present invention with its internal components shown.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the device of FIG. 3 fully assembled.

FIG. 5 is bottom perspective view of the device of FIG. 3 fully assembled.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device of the present invention fully assembled with its internal components shown.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

In general, the self-contained cooler enhancement device of the present invention comprises one or more watertight compartments 104, an inlet 116 and an outlet 118. The watertight compartment 104 includes a controller 106 coupled to a battery 108, a switch 110 and a motor 112, which is coupled to a partially enclosed propeller or impeller 114.

FIGS. 1-3 show several embodiments of the cooler enhancement device of the present invention. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 is configured as a box. The device 1 includes a watertight compartment 104 which houses a controller 106 coupled to a power source 108, a switch 110, and a motor 112.

In this embodiment, the power source 108 is at least one battery. The battery could be disposable or rechargeable. The watertight compartment 104 can be opened to replace or recharge or replace the batteries 108. Other alternatives could use different power supplies. For example, a solar panel can be attached to the outside of the cooler and the circulating mechanism at the bottom of the cooler. Also, an AC alternative can be provided through the use of a customized thin and flat electrical cord which can be positioned under the cooler cover without substantially preventing the cooler from being closed. Remote batteries could also be used by attaching them to the top or side of the cooler, instead of being attached directly to the device.

The controller 106 regulates power from the battery 108 to the motor 112. In addition to an off and on function, the controller 106 can provide a timer function that automatically turns the device on or off. The controller 106 can control the direction or speed of the motor 112 or interact with a remote device such as a smartphone using wireless communications. The controller 106 may also include enhancements such as a timer for auto shut-off after a pre-programmed period of time, modulation of voltage and power, variable speed settings and lighting for informational or decorative purposes.

In addition, a water sensor can be added to trigger the device when adequate water becomes available. The water level sensor can delay action or shut down the device until the water level reaches a predefined level. This enables the device to conserve battery life when there is insufficient water to operate effectively.

In other embodiments, the controller 106 is coupled to a sensor, such as a thermometer or water level sensor. The thermometer can provide the user with ambient and water temperature readings and enable the controller 106 to shut off the device if the water temperature reaches a predetermined limit.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the switch 110 may be a push-button, switch, or other means of toggling the power from the battery 108 to the motor 112 from outside the watertight compartment 104. The switch 110 or a separate component can provide visual or audible feedback. For example, the switch 110 can house an LED light indicating power and facilitating easier location of the device or an audible alarm can indicate when the power turns off

Still referring to FIG. 1, the motor 112 is coupled to a propeller or an impeller 114 that directs flow from the inlet 116 of the device to the outlet 118. In this embodiment, the motor is a standard 3-12 volt electric motor but other motors could be used as well. Various motors of differing sizes, durability and power can be substituted when available and appropriate. The motor 112 drives the partially enclosed impeller 114, for example, rotating veins, to create a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet, thus outputting cold water from the device 1 at an accelerated rate. The propeller or an impeller 114 can be located outside the watertight compartment 104. The inlet 116 may be a single hole, as shown in FIG. 1, or a plurality of holes as in a mesh to prevent objects from entering the device.

In the preferred embodiment, the inlet 116 and outlet 118 are proximate to a bottom edge of the device. This enables the device to be used with a low level of water. In another embodiment, a tube (not shown) is coupled to the inlet 116 or the outlet 118 to enable water to flow a distance from the device 1. For example, the tube could be coupled to the outlet 118 and extended above the items in the cooler so that cold water flows onto the items from above. In addition, the terminal end of the tube can be coupled to a showerhead, sprinkler, or other device to control the output direction and area.

Referring to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the device 2 of the present invention is shown. The components that make up the device are identical to the components of the device of the first embodiment 1 but are positioned in a different manner. In this embodiment, some of the components are intended to make direct contact with water. Here, the watertight compartment 104 houses the power source 108, motor 112 and switch 110 at an upper portion of the device 2. Each of the components within the watertight compartment 104 are operably coupled together in the same fashion as described above with respect to the device of the first embodiment 1.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the device 2 includes a lower portion extending downwardly a distance from the watertight compartment 104. The lower portion is substantially cylindrical and includes an inlet 116 partially extending along the lower portion. The inlet 116 includes a mesh having a plurality of holes to prevent ice, objects or debris from entering the device 2. A propeller 114 is housed within the lower portion at a lower end thereof and is shielded by a lower housing 204. The propeller 114 is coupled to the motor 112 above by a rod 202 which transmits rotational energy to the propeller 114. The outlet 118 is positioned below the lower housing 204. In this configuration, water enters the inlet 116 and is directed toward the outlet 118 by the propeller 114 through the lower housing 204. With this configuration, the device 2 could float in water within the cooler and circulate the water within, while bringing the controller closer to the surface for easier access.

FIGS. 3-5 show another embodiment of a device 3 of the present invention. The components that make up the device 3 are identical to the components of the device of the first embodiment 1 but are positioned in a different manner. Specifically, the components are positioned and enclosed so that device 3 is shaped and sized similar to a beverage can.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, in this embodiment, the switch 110 is operably coupled to the power source 108 at a top portion of the device 3. The power source 108 is operably coupled to the motor 112 and the impeller 114, which is housed in combination in a lower housing 302 at a lower portion of the device 3. The lower housing 302 includes an inlet 116 and an outlet 118, with the impeller 114 positioned therebetween. The components, other than the impeller, are housed within a watertight compartment 104 which includes a top cover 304, a body cover 306 and a lower cover 308. In this configuration, the device 3 could be placed in a cooler with other items including other cans in an inconspicuous manner.

Referring to FIG. 6, a fourth embodiment of a device 4 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the components are substantially similar to that of the device of the third embodiment 3. Here, the watertight compartment 104 is shaped and sized like a bottle so that the device 4 could be placed in a cooler with other items including other bottles in an inconspicuous manner.

In operation, the device of the present invention is positioned at or near a bottom of a cooler such that the inlet 116 pulls water in from the center and bottom of the cooler where it is at the lowest temperature since colder water naturally sinks to the bottom. The components then work to compress and expel the cold water at an accelerated rate from the outlet 118. Once expelled, the fast moving water: (a) distributes cold water among all the items to be cooled; (b) accelerates melting through physical bombardment of molecules; and (c) drives colder water to the sides of and up towards the surface of the cooler, creating a circular current whereby warmer water at the top is also cooled and pulled down toward the center of the cooler. The warmer water then compounds the melting effect on the ice by transferring its heat during the melting, phase-change reaction.

Experiments conducted by the inventor of the device of the present invention show that use of the device dramatically decreases the temperature of contents within the cooler. Tests show that the addition of the device reduces cooling time by approximately 75%. Specifically, coolers have been tested with the following fixed variables: 12 beer bottles at room temperature, 3 lbs. of ice and 0.5 gallon of water. Without the device, it takes 41 minutes for a single bottle of beer to reach a temperature of 50 F. With the device, it takes 11 minutes for a single bottle of beer to reach a temperature of 50 F.

As a result of experiments conducted, it should be mentioned that adding water to the system generally helps the invention to work faster. About an inch of water allows it to operate regardless of how much has already melted from the ice, if any. However, adding another inch or more of water can accelerate its function further, especially in larger, taller coolers.

In another embodiment, the device of the present invention could be integral to a portable cooler. That is, the inlet 116 or outlet 118 could be located on inner surfaces of the cooler. For example, the inlet 116 can be positioned proximate an inner bottom surface of the cooler and a tube could be coupled to the outlet 118 positioned proximate a top inner surface of the cooler. Thus, water flow can be directed to the inner top surface of the cooler, enabling water to be distributed over the entire contents of the cooler.

In an alternative embodiment, the device of the present invention is made to be flat and lower to the floor of the cooler like a mat. The flat shape would allow the device to work in even lower levels of water. This is because it will be low to the floor but also because the mat itself will displace and channel water underneath any contents which may otherwise slow the dispersion of the water. The batteries may be arranged side-by-side with the motor or several motors. And the pump impellers or propellers can be arranged in a horizontal position such that the water is pulled in from the very bottom of the cooler. The outlets can be spread out to release water flowing across a larger area. This may be achieved by adding tubing and deflective structures which direct the pumped water out and up towards the surface.

In yet another embodiment, the device of the present invention can include molds that allow the user to freeze ice in cone-shaped, cylinder-shaped or u-shaped channels. These molds would be placed in a freezer with water in them and may or may not be detachable from the device. Once frozen, the resulting ice would be located in front of or around the pump or propeller of the invention so that water is pushed directly through the ice channels, thereby ensuring maximum contact and friction with the ice as the water flows over it. The water will then exit the channel and circulate across the contents and cool them more effectively. As before, a circular flow would be targeted so that the water exits on one end of the ice channels flows around up and back down through the other end of the ice channels to circulate the full depth of the liquid portion of the cooling container.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize through the disclosure set forth herein that the device of the present invention can be any shape or size. As shown herein, it can be in the shape of a beverage can, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, or bottle as shown in FIG. 6. In another embodiment, it can be in the shape of a box, as shown in FIG. 1.

Another alternative would be to allow the propeller or pump to push the mechanism around and within the cooler itself. For example, the device may be shaped like a torpedo and miniaturized further so that it can move itself around the liquid in the cooler. When it encounters a blockage it would still increase cooling rates because the propeller continues to circulate the water and break down the ice. When the device maneuvers around the blockage it then can bring more direct circulation to other parts of the cooler.

The watertight compartment 104 and other housing described above could be manufactured with plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. However, other materials such as metals and metal alloys would be used as well.

Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize through the disclosure set forth herein that the device of the present invention can have an opening to allow water to enter, enabling the device to remain submerged. The device can also be weighted at a bottom end to help submerge the device and enable the device to remain upright under water.

Additionally, the device of the present invention can be used in any container containing liquids and solids where circulation of the liquid will produce a desired effect. This may or may not be for cooling purposes. For example, in other applications, the circulation may break down unwanted solids or prevent unwanted stagnation.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore, indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims, are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A device for enhancing cooling of items within a cooler, comprising: a power source operably coupled to a controller and motor, the controller configured to transmit power to the motor; a rotating mechanism operably coupled to the motor, the motor providing rotatable power to the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism positioned on the device between a first position and a second position; an inlet positioned at or near the first position; and an outlet positioned at or near the second position; wherein the device is configured for a fluid substance to enter the device through the inlet and exit the device through the outlet, the fluid substance exiting the device at a higher rate than that prior to entry; wherein the inlet is positioned at a lower portion of the device; wherein the device is mobile and separable from the cooler; and wherein the device is a separate unit.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source, controller and motor are housed within a watertight compartment.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the device is at least partially submerged within the fluid substance.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source is solar energy.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the motor and rotating mechanism are spaced apart, the motor coupled to the rotating mechanism by a rotating shaft.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the inlet comprises an enclosed structure comprising a plurality of apertures extending through the first position, the enclosed structure enclosing the rotating shaft.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the rotating mechanism is circumscribed by a diffuser positioned between the first and second positions.
 8. A device for enhancing cooling of items within a cooler, comprising: a watertight compartment comprising a power source and motor housed therewithin, the power source operably coupled to the motor for providing energy thereto; a rotating mechanism operably coupled to the motor, the motor providing rotatable power to the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism positioned on the device between a first position and a second position; an inlet positioned at or near the first position; and an outlet positioned at or near the second position; wherein the device is configured for a fluid substance to enter the device through the inlet and exit the device through the outlet; wherein the device is mobile and separable from the cooler; and wherein the device is a separate unit.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the rotating mechanism is an impeller.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the inlet is at or near a lower portion of the cooler and the outlet is at or near an upper portion of the cooler.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein the fluid substance is water contained in the cooler.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein the inlet is positioned at a lower portion of the device.
 14. The device of claim 8, wherein the outlet is positioned at a lower portion of the device.
 15. The device of claim 8, wherein the outlet is positioned at or above an upper portion of the device.
 16. The device of claim 8, wherein the power source comprises at least one battery.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.
 18. The device of claim 8, wherein the power source is solar energy.
 19. A system for enhancing cooling of items within a cooler, comprising: a fluid substance within the cooler; and a device comprising: a power source operably coupled to a motor; a rotating mechanism operably coupled to the motor, the motor providing rotatable power to the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism positioned on the device between a first position and a second position; an inlet positioned at or near the first position; and an outlet positioned at or near the second position; wherein the device is positioned at or near a bottom surface of thee cooler; wherein the fluid substance enters the device through the inlet and exits the device through the outlet, the fluid substance exiting the device at a higher rate than that of entry and providing circulation of the fluid substance within the cooler to aid in cooling items within the cooler; wherein the device is mobile and separable from the cooler; and wherein the device is a separate unit.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the power source and motor are housed within a watertight compartment such that the device is at least partially submersed within the fluid substance. 